Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 25, 2026

Disruption of Frontal Lobe Neural Synchrony During Cognitive Control by Alcohol Intoxication
Published on: February 6, 2019
Is Major Depression Linked to Alcohol-Impaired Driving?
Ye Z Pogue1, Jahn K Hakes2, Frank A Sloan3
1a Heller School for Social Policy and Management , Brandeis University , Waltham , Massachusetts , USA.
Background:
Alcohol-impaired driving causes a substantial proportion of motor vehicle accidents. Depression is a prevalent psychiatric disorder among drinker-drivers. Few previous studies have investigated the relationship between major depression and alcohol-impaired driving.
Objectives:
We investigated whether depression has a positive relationship with the probability of alcohol-impaired driving after controlling for the co-occurrence of binge drinking and alcohol dependence.
Methods:
Our data consisted of drinkers aged 21-64 years from two waves of the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions. Cross-sectional analysis investigated whether depression is an independent risk factor for drinking-driving. Longitudinal analysis distinguished the relationship of depression onset, continuance, and recovery with changes in drinking-driving behaviors between the waves. These dual approaches allowed comparisons with previous studies.
Results:
Major depression was a small but statistically significant predictor of changes in alcohol-impaired driving behaviors among males but not females. Binge drinking and alcohol dependence were comparatively stronger predictors. Conclusions/Importance: There is limited empirical support that treating depression reduces drinking and driving in males who do not exhibit symptoms of alcohol use disorders. For persons with co-occurring depression and alcohol use disorders, depression treatment should be part of a strategy for treating alcohol use disorders which are highly related to drinking and driving.
Related Concept Videos
Depressants
Alcohol is a common depressant that can induce a sense of relaxation and reduced inhibition at low doses. Contrary to its occasional...
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
Hypothesis Test for Test of Independence
H0: The two variables (factors)...
Depression: Overview
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...

